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RNIVAL TIME 

AT STRQBECK 


Story by 

MAY V. HARRIS 


Pictures by 
KURT WIESE 





























CARNIVAL TIME AT STROBECK 








>• ... 





They walked down the narrow village street 
















CARNIVAL TIME 

AT STRQBECK 

By 

MAY V. HARRIS 



Illustrated by 
KURT WIESE 


JUNIOR PRESS BOOKS 


alberTXotitman 

& 4co 

CHICAGO 

1938 







Copyright, 1938, by 
ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY 


PZi 

. UaAli 

CrLC 

Or>p<jl 



Lithographed in the U.S.A. 

©Ct A 1 23054 

O 


OCT 1? 1938 







I 

I CAN hardly wait for tomorrow to come,” exclaimed Hans 
enthusiastically. 

“Neither can I,” sang Elsa. “I wish tomorrow would 
hurry, hurry!” 

To emphasize her happy impatience, she held out her full 
skirt and did a quick little dance. 

“After all, we’ve waited a whole year for tomorrow,” said 
Hans. “I wonder who will be chosen.” 

“I know who I wish would be chosen,” said Elsa, stopping 
before her brother. More seriously she added, “I’m glad we live 
in Strobeck, Hans. Just think, this is the only place in Germany, 
if not in all Europe, where children are taught to play chess in 
school. Just think what all the other boys and girls miss!” 

[5 ] 



“No chess, no tournament, no chance to have the honor of 
winning a prize board,” answered Hans thoughtfully “I’m glad 
we live here, too. It’s fun.” 

In the little village of Strobeck, tucked away high in the Harz 
mountains, Hans and Elsa lived with their grandmother. 

Many, many years ago the Grimm brothers lived in the near' 
by town of Cassel, where they wrote many of their famous fairy 
tales. In Strobeck today, it looks as if the people there came 
straight out of a fairy-tale book, for they still look just as they did 
then. In fact, in hundreds of years this village has changed very 
little. Even the style of the costumes that the people wear is just 
the same today as it was years and years ago. 

Today, being Sunday, Elsa and Hans were dressed in their 
best. Elsa looked very gay with a little red cap, like an over¬ 
grown muffin, perched on her head-. It bobbed as she danced 
but did not slide off, for it was held securely in place by a scarf 
tied beneath her chin. The very full skirt of her pretty blue dress 
stood out proudly over many starched petticoats. Around her 
waist was a red belt that matched the bright embroidery on her 
bodice. All that showed of a white blouse were the sleeves that 
ended just below her elbows. Her shoes were black with large 
square buckles at the ankle, and she wore long white cotton hose. 

Hans shoes were just like Elsa’s, and he also wore long white 
cotton stockings. The short straight trousers of his dark suit 
were almost hidden beneath his knee-length coat. Across the 
shoulders of his coat stretched brightly embroidered bands, and 
a thick red cord formed a V across his chest. From the point of 
the V hung a fat tassel. Hans wore a black bow tie with a 


[ 6 ] 





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Elsa and Hans were dressed in their best 








snow-white shirt, and in his hands he held a round, box-shaped 
hat. 

“Let's ask Grandmother to tell us the story about the bishop,” 
suggested Elsa. 

“All right,” answered Hans. “That will make the time pass 
more quickly. Maybe she will tell us the one about the Chess 
Tower, too.” 

Hans and Elsa found their grandmother busy in the kitchen. 

“Grandmother, will you please tell us once more the story 
about the bishop?” asked Elsa. 

“And if there's time, the one about the Chess Tower, too?” 
added Hans. “Tomorrow, you know, the names of those who 
are to play in the tournament will be announced at school.” 

Grandmother Koester threw up her hands. As a little girl 
she could remember how eagerly she had waited for this same 
announcement, and she knew just how Hans and Elsa felt. For 
many generations now chess had been a required subject in the 
village school, and it was the most beloved subject of all. 

“Yes, of course,” replied Grandmother, smiling and motion¬ 
ing the children to some chairs by the kitchen fireside. “Since 
you’ve been such good pupils at your game of chess and hope 
to win high honors, I think you deserve a story. But let us not 
forget that the geese must be fed at the usual time.” 

Grandmother seated herself in the large armchair nearest the 
fire and took up her knitting. 

“Once upon a time,” she began as was her custom. Hans and 
Elsa always insisted that she begin her stories just as most of the 
Grimm fairy tales begin. 


[ 8 ] 


“Once upon a time many, many years ago in our village of 
Strobeck lived some people who were very much like the people 
in any other village of Germany. They were industrious. They 
tilled the soil and raised cattle, sheep, geese, and chickens. They 
dressed just as we do today. They were fundoving, but when 
they had time to play, they indulged in games of chance and 
other amusements. This went on for generations. 

“Toward the close of the fifteenth century, however, some' 
thing eventful happened. A high official of the Cathedral of 
Halberstadt was exiled and sent here. The people of Strobeck 
received him kindly and did all they could to make him comfort' 
able and happy. 

“Their generosity and friendliness touched his heart, and he 
wondered what he could do in return to express his gratitude. 
He had no money with which to make gifts. After a time he 
decided that he would teach the people to play the royal game 
of chess; that was something he could do for them. 

“So he went about the village, teaching the game to all who 
would learn. He showed the people how to make a board just 
like a checkerboard, on which to play, and he helped them carve 
the various pieces—kings, queens, rooks, bishops, knights, and 
pawns, which are known as the chessmen. Then he taught them 
the rules of the game and played with them until they could go 
on alone. 

“The villagers became very interested in chess, and each one 
tried to play better than his neighbor. Soon the games of chance 
and the aimless amusements were forgotten in favor of this game 
that demanded shrewd thinking and was played only for the honor 


[9 ] 


of winning. The exile was very pleased about his real success. 

“In time he was granted his freedom and eventually was made 
the Bishop of Halberstadt, but he never forgot his friends in 
Strobeck. It was he who founded a school here, requiring that 
in addition to the usual subjects the children be taught to play his 
favorite game, chess. And it is said that is why you and I and 
your great-grandparents and so on back for generations have had 
the pleasure of learning to play chess skillfully in school. 

“The bishop also provided that once a year a contest should 
be held among the school children and that the prize for the win¬ 
ner should be a new chessboard with a set of chessmen. 

“It was considered a great honor to possess a prize board then, 
just as it is today. Parents who had one willed it to a son or daugh¬ 
ter, who valued it highly. The owners regarded their prize boards 
as outstanding marks of high rank. They felt a little more im¬ 
portant than they had before owning one, and everyone else paid 
them more respect. 

“Eventually the skill of the chessplayers of Strobeck became 
known all over Germany. They were challenged by chess players 
from far and near. Tournaments were held, in which the visitors 
were usually defeated by the Strobeck players. 

“The people did not gamble on the game nor did the players 
play for money—only for the honor of winning. And to this 
day," ended Grandmother, putting her knitting aside, “it is still 
that way, I am proud to say . 11 

Hans and Elsa sat quietly for a moment, thinking of how 
chess came to play such an important part in their lives. Grand¬ 
mother had told them the story over and over again, but this time, 


[ 10 ] 



He never forgot his friends at Strobcc\ 









almost on the eve of the tournament, it seemed to have a new 
meaning. 

‘It’s time for the geese to be fed,” cried Hans, suddenly jump¬ 
ing up. 

“Oh, yes,” said Elsa, also arising. 

“Feed the geese and come right back in,” said Grandmother, 
leaning forward in her chair to stir the fire. “Then I will tell you 
the story about the Chess Tower. Mind that you don’t soil your 
good clothes!” 

Hans and Elsa grabbed their baskets of feed and fled. Out they 
scampered and threw the bright yellow grain to the beautiful 
white geese. 

“We cannot fail in our duties now,” said Hans to Elsa. “It is 
very near picking time, and the geese look fine.” 

The children’s more important chore was to tend the geese, 
for goose feathers were very valuable. Each year the feathers and 
down were carefully plucked and saved. If Grandmother did not 
need them for a new feather bed, she sold them in the village and 
they brought a goodly sum. 




II 

“Well, that didn’t take you long,’’ Grandmother Koester ob' 
served as the children returned to the kitchen. Then she set a 
pot of soup on the fire. 

“We hurried,” replied Hans, “but all the geese are fed and 
have fresh water.” He set the empty feed baskets in their places, 
washed his hands in the kitchen wash basin, and then sat down 
by the fire. 

Elsa had already washed her hands. Now she reached for 
some yam to wind for her grandmother. 

“That is a good child, Elsa,” beamed Grandmother. “Now I 
will tell you the story about the Chess Tower.” 

Grandmother took up her knitting again, and the needles 
clicked busily as she told the story. 

[ 13 ] 



“Once upon a time,” she began with a smile for Hans and 
Elsa, “also many, many years ago, another man was exiled to 
Strobeck. This time King Henry the Second of Germany sen' 
fenced a count to solitary imprisonment, and the count was 
jailed in the building that we now call the Chess Tower. It 
was once a prison, you know. 

“Some people claim that the great enthusiasm of the people 
of Strobeck for chess had its beginning during the count’s im' 
prisonment in the tower. 

“The story goes that the count, having nothing to do, de' 
cided to pass the empty hours by playing chess. He had no 
chessmen, no chessboard, no opponent, but that did not trouble 
him long. He carved two sets of chessmen from pieces of wood 
and, with chalk drew a chessboard on the floor of his cell. 
Then he began his game, playing one of his hands against the 
other. 

“His guards were peasants from the village. They watched 
the count with great curiosity and interest. Finally they learned 
the game from him and found it much to their liking. At home 
they taught the game to their families and neighbors, and soon 
everyone in the village was playing chess. 

“Now you have heard both of the stories about the origin 
of chess'playing in Strobeck,” concluded Grandmother. “Hans, 
have you ever noticed the date of the Chess Tower?” 

“Oh, yes,” replied Hans. “It is 1011.” 

That was such a long time ago, added Elsa, “I can’t even 
think back that far.” 

More than nine hundred years,” explained Grandmother, 


[ 14 ] 



Then he began his game 













“and during all that time chess has been a part of life in Strobeck 
and games of chess have been played in the tower.” 

“The story of the count and the Chess Tower is printed on 
some of the town’s paper money,” stated Hans, “and during 
the great World War there was a picture of the Chess Tower 
on some of it. Herr Gunter still has some at the Gasthoj and he 
has showed it to me.” 

“That is right,” said Grandmother. “Chess is very important 
in Strobeck. But this is all for tonight. You know I haven’t been 
well, and I’m quite tired.” 









Hans and Elsa were ready for school early the next monv 
ing. Elsa wore a plain blue dress; Hans, a plain dark suit. 
Their hands and faces were scrubbed. Hans’ hair was combed 
neatly back; Elsa’s was divided in the middle and brushed into 
a braid that ended in a blue hair ribbon. Their eyes sparkled 
with excitement as they listened to last instructions from Grand' 
mother. 

“While I feel better today, I shall not go out'of-doors. So 
I want you to stop at the Gasthof on your way home from 
school today,’’ Grandmother was saying, “and tell Frau Gunter 
that we will be picking our geese a day or two after the touma' 
ment. Say good day to Herr and Frau Gunter for me, and go 
also to the bakery and purchase a loaf of bread.” 


[ 17 ] 



"We will,” Hans and Elsa replied together. "Good-by, 
Grandmother." They picked up their chessboards, kissed Grand¬ 
mother fondly, and hurried through the door, eager to be on 
their way. 

As soon as they were away from the house, Elsa said quick¬ 
ly, "Here is our chance to buy Grandmother the kerchief we 
have wanted to get with our savings. Besides, it may make her 
feel better." 

"That’s right," agreed Hans. "And we can get it while we 
are doing our other errands after school." 

Side by side, the chessboards under their arms, they walked 
down the narrow village street, paved with cobblestones from 
the surrounding fields. They passed low red-tiled houses, houses 
with black and white targets on them, and tiny chess houses 
representing black and white chessboards or figures of chessmen. 

Nearly every house was built or decorated in some way to 
suggest chess. As Hans and Elsa approached the schoolhouse, 
they met other children, coming from all directions. All were 
carrying chessboards just as children in the United States carry 
schoolbooks. 

"There are Karl and Maria," Hans exclaimed. 

"Oh, you always see them first," laughed Elsa, waving to 
their two friends. 

These four were constant companions. Hans and Karl 
were both thirteen years old; Elsa and Maria, eleven. Every 
morning on the way to school, they watched for each other, 
and they had made it a game to see who would notice the other 
first. Hans joined Karl and they walked ahead, followed by 







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Maria and Elsa, walking with their free arms about each other. 

The schoolhouse was a part of the schoolmaster's home. A 
number of rooms in the front part of the big house were used 
as classrooms; the rest were used as living quarters by Herr and 
Frau Snider, the schoolmaster and his wife. 

This morning as Maria and Elsa neared the schoolmaster's 
home, they saw Frau Snider watering her potted plants on the 
sill of an open window. They stopped a moment to greet her. 

“Guten tag, Frau Snider,” called Elsa. Those are the words 
German boys and girls use to say, “Good day, Mrs. Snider." 

“Good day," repeated Maria. Both girls curtsied. 

“And how are you, my dears?" answered the cheery, smih 
ing wife of the schoolmaster. “Aren't you a little excited today 
because you will learn who is to play in the tournament?" 

“Yes, ma'am, we are," both girls replied. 

“We can hardly wait," finished Elsa. 

Two minutes after the girls said farewell to Frau Snider, they 
were in their classroom. Hans and Karl had arrived before them. 
As other pupils quietly entered, the schoolmaster nodded cheer- 
fully to them. 

Hans, Elsa, Karl and Maria belonged to a class of thirty 
boys and girls aged from eight to fourteen. This year they were 
in the one grade of the Strobeck school that is taught the art 
of chess every week during the last three months of the school 
year. These are January, February, and March. 

In Strobeck all the children go to school the whole year 
through; they do not have a summer vacation. During the 
winter months school hours are from eight o'clock until noon 


[ 20 ] 


and from one o clock until three. In the summertime, because 
the children are needed to work in the fields, school hours are 
from seven o'clock until noon only. 

This being March, school was still held in the afternoon. 
During the last period of the day the pupils were instructed in 
chess. Today when it was time for this period to begin, fifteen 
pairs of boys and girls sat ready in their places, a chessboard 
between each pair. 

Very soon click, click, click was heard all over the room as 
the children placed the black and white chessmen on their chess- 
boards. Herr Snider called for the attention of the class and 
explained a new gambit, as certain moves in chess are called. 
Then he gave the signal for the games to begin by saying, 
“Players with the white pieces make the first moves.’’ 

The children made their moves thoughtfully and carefully. 
They were at all times courteous to their opponents, never 
once forgetting their manners. The room was silent except 
for the sounds of chessmen being moved or low statements of 
“Checkmate.” For no one ever whispered or talked while the 
games were in progress. 

Some won their games in a few moves; others found their 
problems more difficult and they played on and on. At the end 
of a game the players either started a new one or sat quietly. 
No one boasted when he won, and the losers were good sports- 
men. This is the way it was every day, for gracious conduct is 
a part of chess. 

On this afternoon, although the pupils sat as quietly as 
always when they had finished their games, a spirit of excite- 


ment filled the room. They all knew that the time was ap' 
proaching for the most important event in the village to take 
place, and that now was the time to announce the names of 
those who would play in the chess tournament. Each pupil, as 
well as Hans and Elsa or Karl and Maria, had applied himself 
seriously to the game all year in the hope that he might be 
chosen. 

Tournament Day means a great celebration in Strobeck. 
There is a parade, and nearly everyone dresses in a costume that 
represents a chessman. Kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, 
and pawns come to life on that festive occasion. Men, women, 
and children join in the fun on the village square. 

Within the schoolhouse serious players do their very best 
to win their games. Each victor is awarded a coveted prize 
chessboard and set of chessmen and is escorted home with grand 
ceremony. No wonder that the pupils were eager with hope 
and curiosity! 

Near the close of the chess period, the schoolmaster arose 
and said, "Stop your games now, please. I wish to make an iim 
portant announcement.” 

Everyone knew what that meant. The whole class snapped 
to attention. 

"I wish to announce the names of the boy and girl who 
have been chosen to enter the tournament from our class this 
year,” went on Herr Snider. 

There was a breathless silence. 

"They are,” continued the master, "Hans and Elsa.” 

Vigorous handclapping echoed in the small room, and smih 


[ 22 ] 





“l wish to make an important announcement. 












ing faces turned approvingly toward Hans and Elsa. They were 
general favorites and everyone was satisfied with their choice. 

“Will you come forward, please?” asked the schoolmaster 
when the noise grew less. 

Hans approached the front of the room, a proud and happy 
boy. Elsa fairly sparkled. She was slower than Hans because 
her friends reached for her hand to congratulate her as she 
passed up the aisle. 

I wish to tell you,” said Herr Snider, “just why you have 
been selected by the committee to represent your class. You 
have applied yourselves earnestly to the game and learned it 
well. You have always been courteous. You have behaved well 
when victorious and also have been good losers. You never have 
pouted nor been disagreeable because you lost a game. Thus 
you have passed the test in conduct as well as having won the 
number of games required to enter the tournament. You will 
receive written instructions later. School is dismissed.” 

There was more clatter and applause for Hans and Elsa. 
Then the boys and girls put their chessmen in boxes, picked up 
their chessboards and left the schoolhouse. 

Maria ran to Elsa and embraced her. “I’m so glad it was 
you who was chosen,” she exclaimed. 

“Thank you,” replied Elsa. “I do hope I’ll win!” 

“Fine work,” said Karl, flinging an arm across Hans’ shoulder. 
“I thought you would get it.” 

“Did you? I had no idea that I really would be chosen, but 
naturally I hoped I would. There are so many good players,” 
Hans said modestly. 


[ 24 ] 


“Good playing isn’t everything, as the master pointed out,” 
replied Karl. “Honor counts too, remember.” 

“That’s right,” agreed Hans. “Oh, I almost forgot. Elsa and 
I are not going right home today. We have some errands to 
do for Grandmother. I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“Auf wiedersehen,” sang Elsa in farewell to Maria a moment 
later. 







IV 

Aren’t they wonderful!” exclaimed Elsa, referring to then- 
classmates, as she and Hans started off on their errands. “Every 
one of them tried to be chosen just as hard as you and I, and 
some must feel very disappointed; yet all were most kind and 
generous in their good wishes to us.” 

I noticed that too, replied Hans. “They certainly are good 
fellows.” 

To think that only yesterday we were looking forward to 
the announcement today, not knowing that we would be the 
ones chosen, but hoping, oh, so much! Oh, I can hardly wait 
to tell Grandmother,” Elsa added joyously. 

“She will be proud and pleased, I think,” said Hans, who 
was quietly proud and pleased himself, “and surprised to learn 
that both of us are to play.” 


[ 26 ] 










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The inn stood on one side of the village square 





“I was surprised at that myself,” commented Elsa. “Two 
from the same family are hardly ever chosen. I wonder how it 
happened.” 

It didn t happen,” replied Hans. “We must have earned 
the most points. This is an honor won by merit, and the master 
is very exact on all counts.” 

“Which pleases me the more,” said Elsa happily. 

The children walked rapidly and soon arrived at the Gasthof, 
the little town s inn. It stood on one side of the village square, 
which was the center of the community. As promptly as Hans 
and Elsa had gone to the Gasthof, the news of their good fortune 
had preceded them. 

Welcome, my children,” Frau Gunter greeted them heartily. 
“What is this good news I just heard about you two winning 
the highest honors in your class? How pleased Frau Koester will 
be to hear of it, or does she already know?” 

No, answered Hans, who tried hard not to look too proud 
and glad. “We just came from the schoolhouse and are sun 
prised that even you know so soon.” 

“How fast news travels from that schoolroom,” said Elsa 
gaily. Grandmother bade us, when we left this morning, to 
come to the Gasthof with a message of good day to you and 
Herr Gunter; and to tell you that we will be picking our geese a 
day or two after the tournament. Hans and I have not yet been 
home; so Grandmother does not know that we were chosen—” 

“—unless someone else has told her as they did me,” finished 
Frau Gunter. “How is your grandmother?” 

“She was feeling much better this morning,” Hans replied. 


“That’s what I like to hear,” approved Frau Gunter. “I 
hope she will soon be entirely recovered. Well, I am glad that 
you two were chosen. It pleases both Herr Gunter and me 
greatly. Now I have a surprise for you.” 

“A surprise?” questioned Elsa. 

“Yes,” replied Frau Gunter. “A month or two ago, if you 
remember, two American children stayed at our inn and visited 
your chess class. They were very much interested in the tourna' 
ment and were sorry that they could not be here for it.” 

“Oh, I remember them,” broke in Hans. “Weren’t their 
names Bob and Helen?” 

“They are the ones,” Frau Gunter said, nodding her head. 
“When they went away, they left two gifts, one for the boy 
and one for the girl who won the honor of representing your 
class in this year’s contest. Bob gave his to Herr Gunter to 
keep, and Helen gave hers to me. You wait here, and I’ll find 
Herr Gunter.” 

Frau Gunter hurried from the room, leaving behind her two 
amazed children. Hans and Elsa looked at each other ex' 
pectantly. 

“What do you suppose they have for us?” asked Elsa, her 
eyes wide with wonder. 

“Something fine, you may be sure,” answered Hans. “I 
remember how friendly they were,” 

“I do too,” said Elsa. “I liked them.” 

Before the children had time to say more, Herr and Frau 
Gunter both came into the room, each carrying a mysterious 
package. 


[29 ] 



Good day, Herr Gunter,” greeted Hans and Elsa. “Grand' 
mother sent her greetings.” 

Thank you,” replied Herr Gunter. “How are you, my 
dears? What fine news I heard about you, all within this hour. 
May God bless you, good children. I suppose Frau Gunter has 
told you about these gifts.” 

The kindly old man turned to Hans and held out a long thin 
package. At the same time Frau Gunter approached Elsa with 
a smaller something in her hand. 

“And this is yours, my dear,” she said cordially to Elsa. 

“Oh, shall we open them now?” asked Elsa eagerly. 

“Yes, if you like.” Herr Gunter smiled and nodded as Frau 
Gunter answered. 

Hans whipped the paper covering off his gift in a twinkling 
and revealed an odd cloth'covered object that looked like an 
umbrella. Yet it hardly seemed long enough to be one. Then he 
discovered a portion that could be pulled back, and with a flip 
he did open up a real umbrella. 

“Why, it’s a folding umbrella,” he cried. 


[ 30 ] 




“Why, it's a folding umbrella,” he cried 











“So it is!” exclaimed Frau Gunter and Elsa almost in one 
breath. They had never seen such a thing before. 

“Very handy indeed,” remarked Herr Gunter. “You will 
have much use for that, too,” he suggested, remembering that 
the season of frequent rains was about due. 

“What is your gift, Elsa?” inquired her brother. 

Everyone had been so interested in Hans’ umbrella that they 
had almost forgotten there was another gift. Elsa eagerly tore 
the tissue paper off her package and opened the box that lay 
revealed in her hand. Inside was a small bead purse that had 
been made by Indians in America. Elsa danced for joy. 

“Oh, how pretty,” she breathed. “I love it dearly.” 

“Both are typically American gifts,” observed Herr Gunter, 
“one so cleverly devised; the other, Indian.” 

After examining their presents for a few minutes, Hans said, 
“We must not linger too long, Elsa. We still have other er¬ 
rands to do.” Turning to Herr and Frau Gunter, he added, 
“Thank you very much for the gifts.” 

“Bob and Helen are the ones to thank for those,” returned 
Frau Gunter. “And now you must go? Then take our good 
wishes and congratulations to your grandmother for having two 
such honored grandchildren.” 

Hans and Elsa chattered happily as they re-wrapped their 
packages. They could hardly wait to get home. 

“Good luck to you,” said Herr Gunter, walking with them 
to the door. 

Thank you, and auf weidersehen,” Hans and Elsa called in 
farewell. 


[ 32 ] 



V 

From across the square came the tinkle of the tiny bell on 
the bakeshop door. A small boy came out of the shop, a loaf of 
bread under his arm and a cooky in his hand. 

Tinkle, tinkle went the bell once more as Hans and Elsa 
entered the bakeshop. 

“Good day,” greeted the baker’s wife, who was in charge of 
the store. “How is Frau Koester today?” 

“Quite well, thank you,” answered Hans. 

“She has been feeling better lately,” Elsa said. 

“Fve been hearing news about the two of you this after¬ 
noon,” the buxom woman went on. “You both won high honors 
in your class. That is fine.” 

Hans and Elsa smiled broadly. 


[33 ] 







“News travels fast,” said Hans. “We heard it ourselves only 
an hour ago.” 

“Many children have come in, carrying the news during that 
hour,” the baker’s wife reminded them. “And what will you 
have?” 

“A loaf of pumpernickel, please,” ordered Elsa. “I see your 
loaves have gone quickly tonight.” 

“Such talebearing as I have had is profitable,” smiled the 
baker’s wife. Then she turned and reached for a loaf of dark 
rye bread. 

While the bread was being wrapped, Elsa gazed into the glass 
case before her. In it all kinds of German baked goods were 
neatly arranged—cinnamon buns, buns with caraway seeds, 
sugarTrosted coffee cakes with raisins and nuts oozing out of 
them, gingerbread and ginger cookies with pink and white icing, 
white sugar cookies, loaf cakes, spice cakes, apple cakes, and 
big pretzels. 

Hans wandered over to one corner of the shop where there 
was a small table holding a chessboard. A game had evidently 
been in progress earlier in the day, before the rush of business 
after school. 

“Here is a cooky for each of you,” said the baker’s wife, 
handing the loaf of bread to Hans, then a cooky each to him and 
to Elsa. 

“Thank you,” the children exclaimed in turn. 

Tinkle, sang the bell once more as Hans and Elsa went out 
the door, biting into their cookies. 

“Mmm, this is good,” said Elsa. 


[ 34 ] 



“I’ve been hearing news about the two of you. 











“It is,” agreed Hans, but his mind was occupied with 
thoughts of chess. He added, “These cookies are our reward 
for being chosen to play in the tournament.” 

“Now we'll go to the dry goods store,” directed Elsa, “and 
then home to tell Grandmother the news.” 

When Hans and Elsa entered the dry goods store, they 
found the shopkeeper, as usual, engaged in a game of chess. 
Every store in Strobeck has its chess table, and, like all other 
villagers, the merchants play the game in all their spare moments. 

The keeper of the dry goods store glanced up from his game 
and, seeing customers, immediately stopped playing and went 
toward them. 

“Well, well,” he said cordially, “here are the honored Hans 
and Elsa. How are you?” 

“Very well, thank you,” answered Hans. 

“And I am too,” smiled Elsa shyly. 

“You should be two very happy children, and I think you 
are if I can judge rightly. What can I do for you?” 

“We want to buy a kerchief for Grandmother,” replied Elsa. 

Hans took a brief glance at the counter near at hand and 
then walked slowly over to the shopkeeper's game table, leaving 
the selection of the kerchief to his sister. He stood looking at 
the chessboard and realized that it was an old prize board. 

With a new interest he leaned down and read the inscrip" 
tion on it, which said that the board had been awarded in 
1702. “Over two hundred years ago,” Hans thought, “and 
during all that time it has been a source of pride to members 
of the shopkeeper's family.” 


[ 36 ] 


Hans tried to think how many generations had played on 
the board since the winner had lived in Strobeck so long ago. 
And he wondered if he were about to win a board to hand 
down to generations to come. For the first time he began to 
realise what a thrill it would be to win one. He must win; he 
must. 

“Do you think Grandmother will like this one, Hans?” Elsa 
broke into his thoughts. She held a filmy square of cloth in her 
hand. 

“What, Elsa? Oh, yes,” answered Hans absently. 

Immediately his thoughts returned to chess. He considered 
how the present shopowner studied problems in chess at this 
board day after day when not occupied with his business. His 
father before him had done the same. And before him the 
grandfather had done the same, and so on back for many, many 
years. 

In all the shops of Strobeck it was the same. Hans liked the 
idea. After all, it wasn’t so very different. Didn’t he and Elsa, 
like all the other children, practice moves in chess while they 
were tending the geese? 

Elsa completed her purchase and joined Hans. I m through. 
Shall we go now?” she asked. 

The shopkeeper smiled and bowed and wished the children 
success, then he returned to his game of chess. 

Hans’ and Elsa’s feet sped over the ground now that they 
were on their way home. They could hardly wait to tell their 
news to Grandmother. Perhaps she had heard already. In no 
time they reached the door of the kitchen, almost breathless. 


[ 37 ] 



“Well, here you are,” welcomed Grandmother. 

“Here’s the bread,” said Hans, breathing hard. 

“And here’s a present for you from both of us,” said Elsa 
when she could talk. She held the gift toward Grandmother. 

“What? A present?” asked Grandmother Koester in sup 
prise. She opened the package eagerly. “Oh, you sweet chih 
dren! A new kerchief! How did you know I wanted one?” 

“We didn’t. We noticed yours was wearing thin,” explained 
Elsa. Then she could wait no longer. “Oh, Grandmother,” she 
cried, “we’ve some news for you.” 

“Or maybe you have heard?” asked Hans. “Everyone else 
in the village knows.” 


[ 38 ] 











“What? A present?” asked Grandmother Koester 





“Don’t tell me that one of you has been chosen to enter the 
tournament?’’ guessed Grandmother, looking from one smiling 
face to the other. 

“No, not one of us,” Hans announced proudly, “but both 
of us!” 

“Both!” exclaimed Grandmother. “How wonderful! Oh, I’m 
overjoyed. Both of you!” She threw her arms about both chib 
dren and hugged them to her. “How rare it is for two from one 
family to be entered. I am proud of you, my children. Now I 
know why I made an unusually large batch of cookies today.” 

“And we have presents, too.” The happy Elsa whirled across 
the room, holding her box high in the air. 

“Here is mine,” said Hans, unwrapping his gift. 

“Why, what is that?” asked Grandmother, a surprised and 
wondering expression on her face. 

“A folding umbrella. See? This is how it works,” answered 
Hans as Elsa came over to see the demonstration also. 

“Upon my soul!” exclaimed Grandmother Koester. “I never 
saw one like that before. What is your gift, Elsa?” 

Elsa opened her box and displayed the bead bag. “A purse 
made by the Indians of the United States,” she said, very pleased. 

“How pretty. I never saw anything like this before either. 
Who gave you these things?” questioned Grandmother. 

“Some American children left these gifts with Herr and 
Frau Gunter to be given to the two chosen from our class to 
enter the tournament,” explained Hans. 

“Do you remember our telling you about Bob and Helen?” 
asked Elsa. 


[ 40 ] 


“Yes, I think I do,’" replied Grandmother. “Are they the 
ones? How thoughtful of them. We must ask if they left their 
address so that you can write and thank them. But come, we 
have been so interested in presents that we have forgotten sup- 
per. It is on the table, getting cold.” 

Hans glanced toward the table. “Liver dumplings,” he ex- 
claimed, and immediately started for his place. 

At school the next day Hans and Elsa proudly showed the 
schoolmaster and their classmates the gifts they had received 
from the American children, whom all remembered. It became 
a habit with Hans to carry his umbrella almost everywhere he 
went. But after one trip to school with her bead bag, Elsa care¬ 
fully put it away to carry only on Sundays and special occasions. 




VI 

The next few days passed swiftly. Excitement was in the air 
and added zest to the usual routine of going to school and com- 
ing home immediately afterward to tend the geese. Every day 
while Hans and Elsa guarded Grandmother’s flock until sun' 
down, they studied seriously their game of chess and practiced 
gambits that had been explained by the schoolmaster. They 
wanted to be able to play their very best on the day of the 
contest. 

Karl and Maria, however, were free to take part in the merry 
bustle of the villagers as they prepared for the biggest holiday 
of the year. On the afternoon before the tournament Karl sug' 
gested to Maria, “Let’s go to the station and see the visitors who 
arrive for the tournament.” 


[ 42 ] 








They studied seriously their game of chess 






“Oh, yes, let’s,’ 1 agreed Maria. “We can take our little 
wagon along and help with their luggage.” There are no taxi' 
cabs nor express trucks in Strobeck. 

“A good idea. I’ll get it.” Karl ran to the shed behind the 
house, found the wagon in its usual place, and in a few minutes 
he and Maria were stepping briskly along the road on the half 
hour’s walk to the station. Behind them the wagon rattled over 
the cobblestones. 

“It’s been a long, long time since we’ve been down here,” 
Maria said, catching a glimpse of the brick station through the 
old elm trees. 

“That’s because there isn’t anything to come for,” replied 
Karl. “Visitors seldom come to Strobeck except for the touma' 
ment. This will be the last train today. Let’s ask Kress if many 
people came in.” 

“Good even to you,” said the children, approaching the 
ruddy, white'haired station master. 

Kress grinned cordially. He was glad to see his little 
friends. “I spend so many lonely hours here,” he said, “that I 
am always glad when tournament time rolls around. Then I see 
people. You have a wagon. Do you expect guests?” 

“No. We just thought we might help someone with his 
l u gg a g e 5 ” answered Karl. “Did many arrive today?” 

“Yes, a good many,” returned Kress. “Year by year the 
fame of Strobeck increases, and year by year more and more 
people interested in chess come from far and near. This year it 
seems as though the visitors are even more enthusiastic than 
usual.” Kress paused to listen to the sounds of an approaching 


[ 44 ] 


train. “Here comes the train now,” he called as he ran to the 
track. 

When the train had puffed to a stop at the station, Karl and 
Maria watched the passengers get off. Some of the women from 
outlying districts wore costumes with elaborately embroidered 
aprons and on their heads kerchiefs that tied under their chins. 

There were more men than women, but in some groups 
there were whole families. The children in these looked at 
Karl and Maria, standing beside their wagon, with simple curi¬ 
osity. 

“These children will lead you to the Gasthof if you do not 
know the way,” called Kress, coming back to where Maria and 
Karl stood. 

“Put as many bags in the wagon as it will hold,” Karl of¬ 
fered hospitably. 

Immediately he and Kress busied themselves, packing the 
largest pieces of luggage into the cart. The newcomers were 
glad that they did not have to carry more than their small bags 
when they learned that the village was a half-hour away down 
the dusty road. 

After the cart was loaded, Maria and Karl started the pro¬ 
cession, pulling the wagon while the newly arrived children 
pushed. Behind them a happy jabbering crowd straggled along 
the country road to the village, only the church spire of which 
could be seen from the station. 

When the strangers reached the streets, they entered a 
village alive with holiday spirit. They saw people decorating 
their homes with gay banners, checkered cloth, and pennants. 


In the business district merchants were washing the windows 
of their shops, draping the fronts with checkered muslin, hang' 
ing flags, and placing exhibits concerning chess in their show' 
cases. At the village square workmen were drawing on the 
ground a huge chessboard with places two feet square where 
living chessmen would move on the holiday. 

The Gasthof had already been decorated. Festoons of green' 
ery were draped across its front, pillars were wrapped with 
checkered cloth, and here and there were large posters repre' 
senting chessboards. Everyone was bustling around, but no one 
was too busy to smile and call a greeting to the visitors. 

Herr Gunter came out to the street to welcome and assist 
his customers. He unloaded the bags and boxes, and Maria and 
Karl helped to carry them in. When the visitors offered to pay 
the children for their help, they steadfastly refused to take any' 
thing. They said that they were glad that they could do some' 
thing to show that the strangers were welcome in Strobeck. 

While Frau Gunter directed the visitors to their rooms, sev' 
eral of the young people wandered toward the entertainment 
hall of the inn. Maria and Karl went with them. 

The entertainment hall was the best room in the Gasthof. 
Large and homelike, it served as a chess club clubroom or game 
room. Townspeople, as well as guests at the hotel, often wan' 
dered around this room, looking at the paintings and mottoes 
on the wall and at the interesting chessboards and chessmen 
arranged on the many tables. Today a few visitors who had 
arrived earlier were playing chess at some of the tables. 

Herr Gunter noticed the children walking around, looking at 


[ 46 ] 





Hen Gunter came out to welcome his customers 









everything but touching nothing. “Good children," he thought, 
“I will show them something/' 

“Come over here," he called, leading the way to a comer 
of the room. “I will show you something special." He took 
from its case an old-fashioned chessboard and its set of chessmen. 
Holding the board carefully so that everyone could see, he 
explained, “The background of this board was made by piecing 
together tiny bits of colored glass—that's called mosaic—and it 
forms a picture of our village of Strobeck. 

“The inscription tells us that this chessboard was given to 
Strobeck by the Elector of Brandenburg on May 13, 1661. That 
was a very long time ago—almost three hundred years. You can 
see that the board has been carefully preserved. Today it is the 
treasure of our village." 

The children could scarcely understand the meaning of 
three hundred years old, but they realized that they were look¬ 
ing at something rare. Seeing how impressed they were, Herr 
Gunter felt rewarded as he put the chessboard back into its case. 

Everyone at the Gasthof awakened early the next morning. 
While long thin streaks of coral light were still turning the quiet 
gray sky to a delicate pink, the children heard the clatter of 
oxen's hoofs on the cobblestones. Soon they distinguished the 
loud crowing of haughty roosters and the lowing of cows ready 
to be milked. 

Then those noises were joined by the clacking of many geese 
and the bow-wow, yip-yip of barking dogs. Tinkle, tinkle went 
the tiny bell on the bakeshop door across the square. The 
children at the inn leaped from between their feather beds and 


[ 48 ] 


peered out of their windows. Early as it was, the little village 
was all astir. 

Maria and Karl awoke early, too. They jumped out of their 
beds without a moment’s hesitation, for was this not the day for 
which they had waited a whole year? At last this was the day 
of the chess tournament in which their friends Hans and Elsa 
were to compete, and they did not want to miss a single minute 
of it. 

They dressed hastily and ran out to feed their geese and 
chickens. Afterwards they breakfasted on hot chocolate and 
bread with wine-colored jam. Then they dressed very carefully 
in their costumes of king and queen, for they were to be in 
the parade and also be living pieces in the animated game of chess. 

After inspecting each other to see that everything was 
right, Maria said, “Let’s go out and see if anything has been 
started yet.” 

“It’s a little too early for any of the events,” replied Karl, 
“but let’s walk around anyway.” 

They crossed over the square and came to the center of the 
village. Shopkeepers who had not completed the decoration of 
their places the day before were putting on the finishing touches. 

“Everything looks very festive and ready for the big event,” 
Karl observed. 

“Hans and Elsa must be excited today,” Maria thought aloud 
happily. “I know they were up bright and early.” 

“Yes, I should think so,” replied Karl. He and Maria were 
approaching the Chess Tower. “There are some of the people 
who got off the train yesterday,” remarked Karl. 


“Where?” asked Maria. “Oh, I see. In front of the door to 
the Chess Tower. Let’s go with them. Herr Gunter is going 
to show them the tower.” 

Just as Herr Gunter opened the heavy door, Maria and Karl 
joined the group. “Good day to you, my children,” said the 
kindly innkeeper. 

“Good day to you, sir. Good day,” replied Karl and Maria. 

“This building was used as a jail in the early days,” com' 
mented Herr Gunter as he led the way into the tower. 

“Did they really have prisoners here?” asked one of the 
visiting boys. 

“Yes, indeed,” replied Herr Gunter. “In those days it was 
common for anyone who displeased a king to be placed in 
solitary confinement. The king of Germany often sent subjects 
who were in his disfavor to the bishop of Strobeck, who placed 
them under guard in this tower until they were released. That 
wasn’t very pleasant. 

“One count, in particular, was confined here, but he was 
smarter than most of the unhappy prisoners. He is the one who 
knew the game of chess and played it alone, his right hand 
against his left. It is said that he finally taught his guards the 
game and from that time on this building became known as 
the Chess Tower.” 

As Herr Gunter finished speaking, a group of men appeared 
on the balcony and another on the ground floor. They placed 
chessboards on tables and prepared for several games. Herr 
Gunter called the attention of his guests to these groups. 

“That is going on all the time,” he explained. “Ever since 


[ 50 ] 





the count was released, people have played chess here daily. 
Before evening comes, they will know which of them is the 
champion—maybe!” 

More people were on the streets now. Villagers dressed as 
chessmen promenaded elegantly and sooner or later all sauntered 
to the village square. 

“Let’s imagine that all our chess pieces have come to life for 
just one merry holiday,” Karl said. 


[51 ] 




“That won’t be hard,’’ returned Maria. “With the sun shin¬ 
ing on the black and white and red and gold of the costumes, 
our town looks like a fairy tale.’’ 

“It is about time for the tournament at the schoolhouse 
to begin,” Herr Gunter told his followers, “and while that is 
going on, there will be a game of chess with living pieces on the 
village square. I will leave you to enjoy it if you care to and 
return to my duties at the inn. Karl and Maria here are to take 
part in the life-sized game; so it should be interesting.” He 
finished with a fond smile for his little friends. 

“Karl,” exclaimed Maria. “It’s nearly time for the playing 
to start at the schoolhouse. Let’s run and try to see Hans and 
Elsa before they begin.” 

Their flying feet, quite undignified for a king and queen, 
carried them to the schoolhouse in no time. Within, many 
people were standing about in groups talking. There were to 
be forty-eight contestants, and officials were busy checking names 
to be sure all were present. 

All were except Hans and Elsa. Karl and Maria looked 
around for them, carelessly at first and then more and more 
anxiously as they began to realize that it was only a few minutes 
before time to play; and Hans and Elsa were not yet there. 

“Oh, Karl,” wailed Maria, “what could have happened? 
Hans and Elsa are never late. No one here has seen them all 
morning.” 

Karl shook his head, bewildered. He and Maria had looked 
everywhere, and Hans and Elsa had not reported their arrival. 
Puzzled and quiet, Karl and Maria walked back to the square 
and took their places in the life-sized game. 

[52 ] 



VII 

Hans and Elsa went to bed early the night before the tourna¬ 
ment, looking forward joyfully to the next day. But when they 
arose in the morning, they found their grandmother was ill 
again. She did not even feel well enough to get up. 

“I’ll get the breakfast, Grandmother,” said Elsa, “and per¬ 
haps you’ll feel better after you have eaten.” 

“Oh, of all days for me to be ill,” mourned Grandmother. 
“Why did it have to be today?” 

“Don’t you feel badly about it,” Hans sympathized. “It 
isn’t your fault. We won’t desert you.” 

Neither child was brave enough to mention it, but both 
knew that they could not play in the tournament that day, for 
there was no one to stay with Grandmother or to tend the 
geese. When Hans’ face was turned, he quickly shook away 
tears of disappointment, but he always found a smile for his old 
grandmother. 


[53 ] 






“You are a good lad. You are both sweet children to take 
it this way, but I am so sorry," she moaned. 

“Just you lie there and don't worry." Elsa set a tray beside 
the bed. She too had blinked back tears. 

“I will go out and stay with the geese," Hans announced 
soberly after breakfast. “If you need anything, call me." 

He picked up the umbrella that he had carried with pride 
almost constantly since it had been given to him. This morning 
he looked at it sorrowfully and wondered if he should keep it 
if he did not play in the tournament. Perhaps it should go to 
the boy who did play. 

The brother and sister dared not look at each other for fear 
of bursting into tears. Each went quietly about his duties, Hans 
with the geese and Elsa with the housework. 

After a little while, when Grandmother had fallen into a 
deep sleep, Elsa slipped out and joined Hans. “Grandmother is 
sleeping now," she said. “Maybe she will feel better when she 
wakes up. I came out here so that there wouldn't be any noise. 
Oh, isn't it just too bad! We'll have to wait a whole year for 
another chance to play." 

“Well, we have a couple of hours yet," said Hans hopefully. 

“If only we were on good terms with the Schultzes," lament- 
ed Elsa. “Why did they have to quarrel with us over that 
fence?" 

Grandmother Koester's house was the last on the street 
within the village. She had insisted that her neighbors, the 
Schultz,es, build a fence between her property and their farm 
to keep their cows out of her yard. 


[ 54 ] 








*-»s~; tf»*»Jf&®S&5 



The cows were in a field next to Grandmother Koester s yard 








“Yes, why?” questioned Hans regretfully, glancing in the 
direction of their neighbors. “And not more than a month ago. 
Look, what are the cows doing in their grain field?” 

“Why,” gasped Elsa. “I'm sure the Schultzes don't know 
they are there. The cattle will ruin the field.” 

“We must chase them out. Come on,” said Hans, running. 

“Oh, I don't like cows,” Elsa said, hesitating. 

“Well, I don't like them any too well myself,” Hans called 
back. “Come on. We must act quickly. We wouldn't want our 
fields ruined.” 

“All right. I'll help you,” Elsa gave in, running after Hans. 

The children grabbed two large sticks as they ran, and 
climbed over the fence into the field of sprouting grain. Then 
a strange thing happened. The cows turned suddenly and ran 
toward the children, leaving behind them a trail of trampled 
grain. 

“Quick, go back!” screamed Hans. 

Elsa had seen what was happening and had already scurried 
nimbly back over the fence. When Hans joined her, she sug' 
gested, “Let's beat them back with our sticks from this side.” 

But the beating only enraged the cows more than ever. 

“We must do something quick or they'll be over here and 
scatter our geese,” said Hans. After a moment's pause he cried, 
“I've got it!” and he ran back to where he and Elsa had been 
sitting. 

Elsa did not know what to do with all those angry cows 
pushing against the fence, but she did not run away. Hans 
returned at once, carrying his umbrella. He stopped in front of 


[ 56 ] 


the cows and suddenly flipped his umbrella open. Surprised and 
frightened, they turned and fled. 

“Come on! Now we can get over the fence and drive them 
through the opening into their own pasture,” cried Hans. “I’ll 
keep the umbrella closed until we need it again.” 

Hans and Elsa ran after the retreating herd. They shouted, 
Elsa waved her big stick, and Hans waved his umbrella—but 
he waved it carefully. The cattle were excited and tried to run 
here and there. They didn’t know where they were going 
Several times Hans had to flip his umbrella open quickly, and 
each time it served to turn a straying cow. Steadily the boy and 
the girl drove the herd back to where it belonged. 

Just as they were heading the last cows through the break 
where the animals had come in, Herr Schultz came running 
wildly and hollered to the children from a distance. “What do 
you mean by letting those cows out?” he roared angrily. 

“We didn’t let them out,” Hans called back, still occupied 
with the cows. 

“We are getting them out of your grain field,” shrieked Elsa. 

As Herr Schultz came on, Elsa thought he was going to strike 
Hans and she ran to her brother, dropping her stick on the way. 
Just then the last cow turned and began to run after her. She 
screamed. 

Hans went flying to his sister, shooting open the umbrella 
just in time to head the animal back toward its pasture. The 
cattle became excited once more. Herr Schultz had to run and 
bar the opening so that they couldn’t get out again. Then he 
turned back to Hans. 


[ 57 ] 


“See here. Give me that,” he demanded angrily, reaching for 
the umbrella. “That’s what’s causing all the trouble.” 

“This is all that saved your field,” replied Hans, folding the 
umbrella and hiding it behind his back. 

“I tell you once more, give that to me,” thundered Herr 
Schultz. 

Then Frau Schultz came running from the house. She saw 
the angry expression on her husband’s face, and just as he sue- 
ceeded in taking the umbrella away from Hans, she called sharply 
to him. But it was too late. He cracked the umbrella over his 
knee, damaging it badly. 

Elsa began to cry. Hans did not weep; the disaster was too 
great. 

Frau Schultz reached them breathlessly. “I saw the whole 
thing from an upstairs window,” she panted. “The cows broke 
out of their pasture and ran into the grain field. The children 
were tending their geese and saw what had happened—the very 
thing that you, Fred, said couldn’t happen, and you were angry 
at the idea of building another fence. If it hadn’t been for these 
children, our field would have been completely ruined.” 

At this Herr Schultz hung his head in shame. “I was blam¬ 
ing them. I thought they had let the cattle out to try stunts 
with this.” He held up the damaged umbrella. 

“Oh, no! We wouldn’t do anything like that,” Hans pro¬ 
tested. 

“I’m sorry. Just awfully sorry,” Herr Schultz said sincerely. 

“My good children,” comforted Frau Schultz, putting her 
arms around them. “But how is it that you are home today? 


[ 58 ] 



Hans had to flip his umbrella open quickly 


You two were chosen to play in the tournament, weren’t you?” 

“Oh,” said Elsa, suddenly remembering. “I must go back to 
Grandmother at once. She may have awakened.” She ran 
toward the fence. 

“What has happened to your grandmother?” Frau Schultz 
asked, speaking rapidly. 

Grandmother is quite ill today,” Hans answered. “Elsa is 
taking care of her and I am—or was—tending the geese.” 

Elsa was out of sight by this time. 

“Oh,” said Frau Schultz, understanding the situation at once. 
“And you are giving up the tournament to take care of your 
grandmother?” 

Hans nodded. 

“Well, now,” said Frau Schultz, “I’ve always been very fond 
of you children and your grandmother. I realize what a big 
sacrifice it meant for you to decide as you did. I am very sorry 
for my part in the quarrel, and we’ll just forget it. I’ve never 
been happy about it anyway. Quick, now, you run home and 
at least one of you go to the celebration. You can get there in 
time if you hurry. I will stay with your grandmother.” 

Hans didn’t need a second bidding. He sped home and told 
Elsa and Frau Koester, now awake, what Frau Schultz had said. 

Grandmother replied, “Children, I feel better already. I 
will be very glad to see Frau Schultz, and I am happy that our 
quarrel is ended. Now, who is to go to the schoolhouse? You 
must hurry, I know.” 

“You go, Hans,” Elsa said quickly. “You go, and I will tend 
the geese.” 


[ 60 ] 


“Oh, no,” Hans replied firmly. “I should say not. You go, 
and I will stay with the geese.” 

“No, Hans,” pleaded Elsa. “You are a boy, and it is right 
that you should possess a prize chessboard before me. Anyway, 

I think you are the better player. I know you will win one. 
Maybe I will have a chance again next year. Please go, Hans, 
quickly!” 

“Yes, Hans. Elsa means what she says, I know.” Grand' 
mother’s weak voice encouraged Hans. 

Reluctantly Hans went to change his clothes. In a few 
seconds his spirits soared, for he was going to play in the tourna¬ 
ment! He jumped into his holiday suit and ran to the street, 
urged on by Elsa calling good wishes from the doorway. 

In his rush to the schoolhouse Hans scarcely saw the merry¬ 
makers on the streets. His one concern was to get there in time, 
and now he was determined to win his games. He could not 
fail after Elsa had stayed at home. 

But his mind was topsy-turvy and he felt nervous. Every¬ 
thing else had gone wrong that day. Hans repeatedly told him¬ 
self that the daily practice of tasks well done would come to his 
aid, but deep down he wasn’t convinced. Could he really win? 

When he breathlessly reached the game room, the con¬ 
testants were assembled and about to begin playing. He hur¬ 
riedly explained to the schoolmaster why he was so late. “And 
Elsa won’t be able to enter at all,” he finished. 

“Oh, what a pity!” cried the schoolmaster in dismay. But 
there was no time for regrets. A substitute was quickly assigned 
. to take Elsa’s place, and the games went on. 


Over on the village square properly costumed chessmen 
stood in their squares on the huge chessboard. Each of the two 
players stood on a chair behind the line of his side, calling out 
the moves his men were to make. 

Maria made a stately queen. She marched her moves with 
grace and dignity, but her whole mind was with her friends. 
She couldn’t imagine what had happened to keep Hans and 
Elsa from the contest, but that something had happened she 
was sure. As soon as her part in the game was over, she went 
directly to Elsa’s home; she had to be with her friend if there 
was trouble. 

Elsa sat in the goose yard with her chin in her hands, elbows 
on her knees, looking absently past the geese into space. The 
little bead purse hung from her wrist. 

“There you are! I thought I would find you here,” called, 
a voice behind her. 

“Why, Maria, what are you doing here?” exclaimed Elsa, 
jumping to her feet and turning around. “I have been thinking 
about you and wondering if you were enjoying the celebration.” 

Karl and I went to the schoolhouse to see you and Hans, 
and we couldn’t find you. We stayed until just before the; games 
started, and neither of you had come. Why aren’t you playing? 
Where is Hans?” questioned Maria. 

Oh! Elsa clapped her hand over her mouth, and her eyes 
were round with dismay. “I wonder if Hans didn’t get there 
in time!” 

Then Elsa told Maria about Grandmother and all that had 
happened that morning, and between them they reasoned that if 


[ 62 ] 



Properly costumed chessmen stood in their squares 





Hans had been too late, he would have come right back home— 
and he hadn't. Until they learned otherwise, they would hope. 

Elsa sat down again. Maria found a place near her. 

“But, Maria, can you stay now? You are in the animated 
chess game and the parade," Elsa reminded her friend. 

“My part in the chess game is over," replied Maria, “and I 
just couldn't bear to be in the parade without you." 

“How kind of you," said Elsa earnestly. Then she bright' 
ened. “You tell me all about what you have seen and what is 
going on. Then I shall feel as though I had been to the celebra' 
tion too." 

The two girls were still talking together much later on when 
Elsa caught the sound of voices. “Oh, what time is it?" she 
cried, jumping up. Then she caught Maria by the arm. “The 
parade," Elsa shouted. “It is coming this way. Oh, I wonder 
if it could be for Hans." She finished starry'eyed, afraid to move. 

Herr Schultz came running toward the girls, waving his arms, 
his face beaming. 

“Children!" he called out to them, “go and welcome Hans. 
I will watch the geese." 

When Hans finally reached his own house, his grandmother 
and Elsa were full of praise for him. And Hans never forgot 
his joy in having won the coveted chessboard. 























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